Chemistry of biologically important synthetic organoselenium compounds

The chemistry of biologically important synthetic organoselenium compounds was discussed. The x-ray crystal structure of the alkylating organoselenone ethyl phenyl selenone was also studied. It was found that the phosphoalkyl derivative of ebselen exhibited Se···O interactions which diminished the electrostatic charge on the selenium atoms. The analysis showed that the redox properties of selenium were influential in the catalytic activities of organoselenium compounds.